This was published 8 years ago
Mick Fanning gives emotional tribute after older brother Peter's death
By Georgina Mitchell and Megan Levy
Mick Fanning has given an emotional tribute to his eldest brother, Peter, who died just hours before the champion Australian surfer was due to compete in the world championships in Hawaii.
Peter Fanning, 43, reportedly died in his sleep. Rip Curl, Fanning's sponsor, confirmed that Peter had passed away but said no more information would be given because it is a private matter.
In a post on Instagram, accompanied by a school photo of "Pete", Mick and his two other siblings, Fanning said his brother would always be his hero.
"I am so grateful for the incredible love and well wishes that have come my way since learning of my eldest brother's passing this morning," Fanning said.
Emotional: Mick Fanning said he was dealing with some "personal" issues after competing. Credit: Screengrab
"Like all my big brothers, Peter will always be a hero to me. I have so many great memories of the good times we have all spent together and they will be with me forever.
"We recently caught up and he told me how proud he was of me and how much he loves watching me compete."
"Today was one of the most challenging days of my life but I knew I could find the strength to take part in the final event of the season because that's what Pete would want."
Fanning gave thanks to his friends on tour - his "other brothers" - for their support and asked for privacy for his family while they come to terms with their "devastating loss".
"Tell the special people in your life you love them and give them a hug," Fanning concluded.
It's believed Fanning was told of his brother's death before entering the water for the third round of the Pipe Masters in Hawaii.
Despite the tragic news, Fanning went on to win his third and fourth round showdowns in the event, on Hawaii's North Shore.
In an interview after his heat four win against Kelly Slater and John John Florence, Fanning broke down as he said he was dealing with some "personal" issues.
"It's been a huge day. Just got some personal stuff going on at home, and just yeah, it's sort of heavy to talk about right now," he said, his voice wavering.
Fanning then hugged the World Surf League commentator who was interviewing him, before leaving the podium.
It has been a turbulent year for Fanning, who in July was knocked off his surfboard by a shark while competing in the final of South Africa's J-Bay Open in a terrifying encounter that was broadcast on live television.
When Fairfax Media spoke to Fanning's mother, Elizabeth Osborne, at the time of that incident, she said she was "terrified" to watch it unfold.
"I was too overwhelmed to even think about what was going on for Mick, I just saw my boy going down and, you know, that was absolutely terrifying because I have lost a son before," she said.
Another of Fanning's older brothers, Sean Fanning, died in a car crash in 1998.